ST. PAUL, Minn. — With many states' hunting seasons now open or opening soon, Pheasants Forever urges hunters to avoid railroad rights of way.

Often a nostalgic feature in wildlife prints, areas along railroad tracks have long been a favorite of pheasant, turkey and whitetail deer hunters.

But hunting near railroad tracks isn't only hazardous, it's also illegal.

"Last year, 517 people died while trespassing on railroad property," said Dennis Jenson, assistant vice president-chief of police for Union Pacific.

"As hunters head outdoors this year, we want to remind them that walking along the railroad's right of way is extremely dangerous because you never know when a train will come along. It is also against the law."

Trespassers are subject to arrest and can face jail time and a fine.

"Safety is a priority," Jenson said. "We issue citations and/or arrest trespassers because we are trying to protect people from getting hurt or killed."